Old Nile virus returns, 2 people die in Greece

This is the third year this virus causes victims in Greece. The areas where cases of this virus are recorded are the Prefectates of Pierre, Catherine, and Pellese near Thessalonica, Xanth, Cavala, Laris, as well as Eastern Athics.

According to experts, the number of cases affected during the summer season is projected to increase, so citizens are advised to take appropriate measures.

The symptoms of the Western Nile fever are similar to those of flu and cold, so it is hard to detect, whereas in the smallest number of cases the virus can cause meningitis. The virus spreads with the bite of the Asian mosquito while it cannot be carried from man to man. The first symptoms appear from three to 14 days after the bite.

The most frequent symptoms are increased body temperatures, headaches, fatigue, pain in knots, while sometimes the virus can cause burns in the skin, swollen lymph nodes, and eye pain.

In 1% of cases, the virus causes severe neurological infection. At times, inflammation can spread over the back, so the sick feel sudden weaknesses in their hands, feet, and breathing heavily.

Symptoms of severe infection are high bodily temperatures, unbearable headaches, stiffness of the neck, depression, trembling, poor coordination, attacks, pain, and sudden paralysis, or weakness in hands and feet.

To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, you can protect your home with nets in windows that will prevent them from entering the house.

Mosquitoes are most active at dawn and at dusk, so it is best not to go out at that time, but if you have to exit, use the precautions that protect you from stinging. According to the need, wear long sleeves. Change water constantly for pets, and water in large buckets is flooded because it attracts mosquitoes.